Hearts administration: Pars survival boosts Locke

GARY Locke hopes administrator Bryan Jackson can follow up his escape act at Dunfermline by leading Hearts to safety.

The BDO troubleshooter was praised after his efforts saved the East End Park club from going bust earlier this year. They faced closure over £10 million debts, but Jackson managed to negotiate a deal with former owner and main creditor Gavin Masterton which allowed fans’ group Pars United to gain control.

Jackson and colleagues Trevor Birch and James Stephen are now focusing their efforts on rescuing Hearts from their own administration crisis, and Locke said: “I know I am speaking on behalf of everyone at Hearts when I say we’re delighted to see Dunfermline come out of administration. It’s great that the fans have taken over and I’m delighted for [Jim Jefferies] too.

“Bryan has been looking after them as well as us and we are in good hands with both he and Trevor. Hopefully, with a bit of luck, we can get the same result as Dunfermline before January.”